Tampa has almost completely replaced Miami as the best tourist destination in Florida. In fact, over 30 million people visited this sunny city in 2019. The tourism industry here has been absolutely thriving over the last decade and 2021 could prove to be another big year for the area. If you are thinking about a trip to this city but still feel unsure about taking the plunge, here are a few major attractions to convince you to finally get your planning started.
Super Bowl LV
While there are many annual events around Tampa Bay, the Super Bowl is an extra special occasion that only comes to your hometown once in a blue moon, if you’re lucky. Tampa Bay has the honor of being the host of the next Super Bowl in February 2021. This is an ideal location as travelers can take a break from the harsh winter and visit the excellent weather in Tampa Bay for the event.
Although there is still the potential for any team to win, according to the Super Bowl futures the Kansas City Chiefs may have the best chance overall. At the Raymond James Stadium where the two best NFL teams of the season will face off, there will be plenty of seating with a capacity of over 65,000 but get your tickets early if you are planning on going! The Super Bowl sells out fast as football fans from around the country make the journey for it wherever it is held.
Amazing Dining Experiences
Tampa Bay is a food lover’s paradise and there are plenty of unique options to keep you satisfied. Of course, being so close to the ocean makes Tampa Bay the ideal spot to try some fried fish sandwiches, oysters, and big meaty lobsters. While the fresh seafood may be the first thing that comes to mind, there are also some more unique options like barbacoa tacos at TacoSon or the famous macadamia nut ice cream from Bern’s Steak House. Being a location that is rich with multicultural influence, there are many ethnic dishes like the Cuban sandwiches from La Segunda and exquisite Puerto Rican cuisine at La Casona. When you come to Tampa Bay, you will be stunned to find that it is one of the best cities for foodies in the US.
Watersports and Fishing
One of the quintessential experiences around Tampa Bay is being on a boat or a yacht with the sun shining overhead. This part of the US is all about the water and what better way to enjoy it than with some thrilling watersports? You’ll never forget the first time you went jet skiing or getting the right gear for a surfing adventure. For fishing fanatics, there is plenty of that to go around as well. Rent a boat and go see for yourself all the different types of fish that are native to these waters.
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
The US has plenty of incredible zoos and aquariums scattered across the country but even with so many to choose from ZooTampa at Lowry Park stands as one of the best to experience. The multiple-award-winning park has many beautiful exhibits and nearly 60 acres of natural outdoor habitats that stay open year-round. The manatee exhibit is a favorite that is always recommended. If you’re planning a winter vacation, it’s a great time to consider going because the park isn’t as hot as in the summer so walking from exhibit to exhibit is much more comfortable.
The Beaches
Of course, we could not have a list of Tampa Bay attractions without mentioning the #1 reason to visit this excellent city, and that is the incredible beaches. Two of the beaches here have made Tripadvisor’s list of the best beaches in the US. With over 35 miles of pristine white sand, clear icy-blue shallow waters, and tons of restaurants and attractions amongst the boardwalk, Tampa Bay is a wondrous beach destination that is the joy of thousands of travelers every year. If you’re looking for some fun in the sun, Tampa Bay is hard to beat regardless of what time of year you are interested in.
